Effect of Gayatrimantra chanting on cognitive functions in school children

K. A. Manoj Narayanan, N. Venugopalan

Abstract

Background: In Indian tradition chanting of Vedic mantras is a part and parcel of life. The sacred Gayatri mantra was explained in Rig Veda. It was initially explained by Vishwamitra maharshi. As it is concerned about sun, it is also called as Savir mantra. Methods: Thirty healthy, willing, hostel students (15 boys and 15 girls) in the age group of 11-14 years were included in the study. After recording the baseline values, all the students were trained in Chanting Gayatri mantra for a week days by Veda pundit before the starting of the study. After a week days, the participants started chanting the mantra once a day, for five days a week, early in the morning at 6am under the supervision of Vedic expert for 10 minutes for16 weeks. Post intervention values were recorded after 16 weeks. Results: Results were presented in tabular form. There was a significant increase in the both spatial and verbal memory scores followed by the chanting of Gayatri mantra. Conclusion: The present study provides further evidence for the beneficial effects of chanting Gayatri mantra. We recommend further detailed studies in this area to understand molecular mechanisms involved.